Anthem protests: Toledo diocese says students may be disciplined

Woodrow Wilson High’s Edwin Lopez (#1) stands while some of his teammates kneel during the national anthem before Woodrow Wilson High School played Highland High School at Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden, N.J.
Yong Kim — The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP, file

TOLEDO, Ohio >> Students attending schools affiliated with Toledo’s Catholic diocese could face discipline for kneeling during the national anthem or Pledge of Allegiance.

The Blade reports the director of religious reformation at Toledo’s Central Catholic High School has sent an email to teachers reminding them of the diocese directive about the anthem and pledge from last year.

The Rev. Matthew Rader told teachers that protests “will not be tolerated.” Rader wrote that teachers should remind student protesters of the diocese’s policy and send them to the office if they argue.

A spokeswoman says diocesan schools aren’t public institutions and shouldn’t be used for political protests.

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Toledo public schools have said students have the right to kneel or sit during the anthem.